Kombucha? You Betcha!
For as long as I can remember I have been a picky eater. One of my fondest memories was the first time I tried pineapple. I was about 10 years old and I did not want that yellow, creepy-looking fruit anywhere near me. Until one night, just days before we were scheduled to go to Hawaii on a family vacation my parents informed me that I wouldn’t be let into Hawaii unless I tried pineapple. As a 10 year old I believed them and the fear of being stranded at the airport scared me. So I cried for about 15 minutes before finally trying it, and guess what? I loved it! Although, I was too proud to admit my parents were right.
Now that I’m older I’m all about trying new things and now came my time to try Kombucha. One of my fellow coworkers had been urging me to try the fermented drink since I started at Valley Natural Foods. I finally decided to give it a go. Unfortunately I made the mistake of smelling it first, it smelled foul and vinegary, and I didn’t want to try it. She insisted it tasted better than it smelled and I trusted her judgement. I thought to myself, what could possibly taste so horrible with a flavor like Guava Goddess. I sipped back the strange drink and once again I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it! It was fizzy, sweet, and had a tangy kick to it!
Local Kombucha brands include Prohibition, Bootleg Brewing and NessAlla.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Kombucha, it is a fermented beverage made from sweetened tea, acetic acid bacteria and yeast cultures. The result of the fermentation process is beverage that contains a range of vitamins, vinegar-like properties and other healthful components.
Don’t be afraid of the bacteria, it is actually good for you and your gut! The bacteria in Kombucha and your stomach form a symbiotic relationship and help nourish and take care of your body.
Kombucha has been around for centuries and has a wide range of medicinal benefits. Some of the health benefits include:
- Detoxification of the body
- Contains antioxidants which help protect the body from disease and inflammation
- Protects against microbial infections
- Strengthens the immune system
- Promotes digestion
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Provides discomfort relief caused by gastric ulcerations
This is just a small list of some of the healing powers of Kombucha. For more information visit: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-kombucha.html
It’s exciting to try new products and learn about how different foods interact with the body. If you haven’t tried Kombucha, now is the perfect time. We have a great variety of well-known Kombucha brands, as well as local favorites. The Kombucha carried at Valley Natural Foods comes in 16 oz. bottles that range from $2-$5. We also carry GT’s Synergy Kombucha and Gingerade Kombucha in 48 oz. bottles for $8.99.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. This information in not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or illness. Always consult with your primary care physician before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Drink in moderation.
